Gary Lee Berg

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Lee Berg, who entered into the arms of our Lord on Monday, June 16th, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, on January 16, 1938, to Howard and Leila (Lefke) Berg, Gary grew up in the Bancroft Park area of northeast Lansing. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1955, where he was an active member of the varsity swim team and the concert/marching band. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Naval Reserves.
Gary was the beloved husband of Ruth (Gifford) Berg of Stanwood, Michigan, for 32 years. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father.
In his early years, Gary spent time with his young family between their home in Haslett, Michigan, Myers Lake (Byron, Michigan), and the Berg Bow Camp in the Houghton Lake area. He was an avid water skier and snow skier, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and time spent with a close-knit community of friends. In 1974, he was named Michigan Barebow Archer of the Year, a legacy he proudly passed on to his sons.
Gary began his career as an apprentice at Olofsson's Tool & Die in Lansing, Michigan, working there from 1960 to 1970. A career change brought him to General Motors (A/C Spark Plug Division) in Flint, where he worked until his retirement in 1998.
During his retirement, Gary and Ruth spent summers in the Canadian Lakes area, where they enjoyed boating and were inaugural members of the St. Ives and Tullymore golf clubs. Winters were often spent with their golfing friends in the Claremont, Florida area. Gary's hobbies included woodworking and radio-controlled sailboats. He was also known in the community as a skilled pool player and Euchre champion.
Gary will be remembered for his competitive spirit, warmth, and kindness. He easily made friends with everyone he met and served as a strong example to his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren as the patriarch of the Berg family for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Gifford) Berg; his brother, Brian Berg; sons Brad (Tina) Berg and Scott (Judy) Berg; grandchildren Jessica and Joshua Berg, and Megan Berg; stepchildren Renee (Terry) DeMarco and Roland (Suzanne) Gifford; grandchildren Nicole (Daniel) Wiseman, Tony DeMarco, Ryan Gifford, and Michael Gifford; and great-granddaughter Ida Ruth Wiseman.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Berg; mother, Leila (Lefke) Berg; and brothers Lanny Berg and Richard Berg.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Janowicz Family Funeral Home, 469 W. Wheatland Ave., Remus, Michigan 49340, and beginning at 10 a.m., Tuesday at the church.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Global Methodist Church, 7296 9 Mile Road, Mecosta, Michigan 49332. All who knew and loved Gary are welcome to attend and honor a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gary's memory to New Hope Global Methodist Church or to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Perry Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.